Isn't it that Mitsubishi is still monitoring QC for Inspira's production? As far as I know, that's what was reported during the launch of Inspira back in 2010. And I know that some of the parts in the drivetrain is imported from Japan.
That's why I don't bother about these people who don't know about cars and yet they talk as if they are very certain of the facts with no solid evidence to back them up. I think Inspira is the only C segment car in the new car market with manual transmission. Not including performance C segment cars like Evo, WRX STI, Civic Type R, Focus ST and Mazda MPS. Hehe, the manual Inspira should be faster than Civic, Altis, Sylphy a.k.a STD, Mazda 3 and Lancer GT.
Audi is recently getting very popular lately in Malaysia. Getting an Audi in KL is fine but not in Ipoh. Ipoh don't even have any Audi service center or showroom. Outdated town.
Lexus really is a prestige brand. At least I know that all of them are manufactured and assembled in Japan unlike Mercedes, BMW and Audi which a lot of them are locally assembled or assembled in some other countries instead of Germany. I'm talking about the low end models of course.
About price, the starting price of Lexus LS is more expensive than the price of Merc S300 and BMW 730Li. Many of their base price are indeed placed higher than the Germans. But you must look at the equipment that they offer as well. As far as I know, all Lexus LS in every generation comes with a V8 engine. No less than that.
Japan really is different from the rest of the world in terms of technologies, ethics, moral and culture. But how can those mechanics avoid getting dirty when their jobs requires them to get involved with a lot of dirty stuffs like oils and lubricants?
Pardon me for my lack of understanding but what is TLC?